Tanzania in Crisis: Inauguration of President Hassan Amid Claims of Hundreds Killed in Election Protests

Strategic Insights -

The inauguration of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to take place on Monday, despite widespread internet disruptions and allegations of hundreds of deaths at the hands of security forces. Hassan's electoral commission claims she won 98% of the vote, but the main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the results, citing a "sham" election and calling for fresh elections. The government has maintained a strict internet blackout, blocking any potential evidence of atrocities committed during the protests. Meanwhile, schools and colleges remain closed, and public transport has been halted.

Key Takeaways:

  • The main opposition party, Chadema, has rejected the election results, citing a "sham" election and calling for fresh elections.
  • The government has not commented on the alleged hundreds of deaths, except to reject accusations of "excessive force" used by security forces.
  • A diplomatic source reported "concerning reports" that police were using the internet blackout to hunt down opposition members and protesters with potential evidence of atrocities.
  • The internet has been blocked since election day, with reports of deaths and injuries mounting despite a near-total lockdown in major cities.
  • An AFP reporter witnessed armed men patrolling without insignia or identification on the island of Zanzibar, which has greater political freedom.
  • Rights groups have presented gruesome footage of dead bodies piled up in the street, though the images cannot be independently verified.
  • Pope Leo XIV called for prayers for Tanzania, urging everyone to avoid all forms of violence and pursue the path of dialogue.
  • The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, expressed deep concern about the situation in Tanzania, citing reports of deaths and injuries during the demonstrations.

Statistics:

  • 98%: the percentage of the vote won by President Samia Suluhu Hassan according to the electoral commission.
  • 802: the number of deaths recorded by Chadema, the main opposition party, by Saturday.
  • 87%: the reported turnout at polling stations, though observers noted largely empty stations before the violence broke out.

Sources:

  • AFP reporters on the ground, who witnessed the lockdown and saw armed men patrolling Zanzibar.
  • A diplomatic source, who reported on the alleged use of the internet blackout by police to hunt down opposition members.
  • Chadema, the main opposition party, which rejected the election results and called for fresh elections.
  • Reuters, which reported on the Pope's appeal for prayers for Tanzania.
  • United Nations, which expressed deep concern about the situation in Tanzania.
  • The Guardian, which reported on the internet shutdown and curfew.
  • The New York Times, which reported on the heavy security presence and alleged human rights abuses.